Second Opinions: How do I get one at Mayo Clinic out-of state?

@loribmt Yes- I have Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis and they returned now. Next step Mayo.

@gracie1976 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I’m so happy you’re heading to Mayo. Do you already have an appointment with one of the clinics? If not, here’s a link to get you started to request an appointment. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Which is your preferred campus…Rochester, MN
Phoenix, AZ or Jacksonville, MN?

There are other members in Connect who have also have MM and amyloidosis. You might be interested in reading through this discussion:

Diagnosed with both multiple myeloma and amyloidosis: Anyone else?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/multiple-myelomaamyloidosis/
I found quite a few conversations with MM/amyloidosis members through a quick search. Here are the results so you can pick and choose what to read next. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/

How long ago were you diagnosed with MM and amyloidosis? You mentioned that they’re back…were you treated previously and now relapsing?

I am glad that you are seeking a second opinion. Mayo is a great place to start. I do not believe however, that an initial appt would be a tele-health communication., but I could be wrong. You can do a self referral or have another physician refer you, but be prepared that you may have to be present which I think is prudent and reasonable.

I called Mayo, explained I was seeking a second opinion, they assigned a doctor to me and we made contact. I did go up to Mayo then.

I have AML and called Mayo back in early October seeking a second opinion. We set up an appointment at Rochester for next Friday, 11/21, which was much shorter a wait than I anticipated. I have a blood test scheduled for 6 am followed by consultations with two doctors. They may want to perform a couple more tests for the following Monday or Tuesday, so we’ve been advised to keep that in mind when making travel arrangements. (We plan to drive from western Michigan.)

Paperwork arrived very quickly after I scheduled the appointment, and it was easy to set up my Mayo Clinic Patient Portal and submit insurance information. I anticipate that the transfer of electronic medical records should go smoothly since all my providers use EPIC software, but I’ll message Mayo next week just to make sure.

So far, the entire referral process has been easier than I anticipated.

@pefishback That's real encouraging. A few quick questions.... Did you get preapproval for the second opinion from your insurance company? Did your primary Hemo/Ocno Dr recommend Mayo? Do you know if he/she will completely buy into Mayo's suggestions? Is your insurance a Senior Advantage Plan? I hope you can keep us advised on your progress.

@dcuste — My primary hemo/onco felt Mayo (or MD Anderson) would be ideal places for a second opinion, and I anticipate he will be open-minded to their suggestions. Of course, final decisions remain up to me. As for your insurance questions, I retired early and am on COBRA from my previous employer, not Medicare yet. I don’t need to seek pre approval at this stage—only if I proceed with a transplant.

Hope this helps.

I'm not trying to disagree or judge..I'm an MdAnderson, Houston patient first for Breast Cancer, then Bowel Cancer, and now PV JAK2.. Ive been a patient at MDA for 13 years over the course of cancers. Ive only been asked once to be part of a Research program for PV JAK2, Declined and was never asked again..There's a way to find what research studies are going on in an institution and I checked..I'm getting standard treatment for PVJAK2 and there's no research number for that..There are several MDAnderson locations not just in Texas but throughout the Country...I can only speak to MDAnderson, Houston location. Ive never had a problem, extremely happy with my care over the years with three separate cancers.

Jacqueline Carey....

@tristram : I presume they wanted all your med records by mail first, then the assessed, using some tele/video conference, and then they decide if/how they might treat you?

@pefishback I was thinking a "second opinion" would only entail Mayo reviewing your case and giving their advice to your primary Dr. to follow their advice. I interpret from your comment, you will actually get your treatment at Mayo if approved by your insurance. Is that correct?
Because my case is so complex and rare, I was thinking my primary may recommend I do A, B, & C. Then I would ask for a second opinion and Mayo would say in their view, it would be better if my primary treated me by doing X, Y, & Z.
I know from experience, that my Dr./insurance has no problem saying that they are using the standard of care and I need to follow their recommendations. I don't think they give the option of going along with outside advice and having me sign a waver.